On 18 July 2026, RHSTEP’s Aparajeyo Tarunno (UYP) Chattogram Centre organized a Film Workshop with the active participation of young learners. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of cinema as a medium of creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and social awareness.

The session was chaired by Apu Dasgupta, Project Officer, Aparajeyo Tarunno Chattogram Centre, while renowned poet and film critic Saikat De attended as the keynote speaker.

At the beginning of the workshop, Saikat De appreciated the initiative and explained that the purpose of the workshop was not simply to learn how to watch films, but to encourage young people to view the world from new perspectives through cinema.

He highlighted that cinema goes beyond entertainment and can serve as a reflection of human life, a record of history, and a powerful medium for social change. Through meaningful films, audiences can gain insight into the emotions, struggles, aspirations, and experiences of people from different backgrounds.

He further emphasized that good films encourage viewers to ask questions, analyze situations, and think critically about characters, events, and visual storytelling. This process of questioning can contribute to the development of creativity, analytical thinking, and empathy among young people.

The speaker also encouraged participants to explore quality films from different parts of the world to broaden their perspectives and develop an understanding of cinematic techniques, including framing, storytelling, and visual presentation. He urged them to appreciate not only the entertainment value of films but also their creative, technical, and social dimensions.

Participants also received additional insights into cinema and filmmaking from Anis Raihan, Coordinator, Chattogram University Film Society, who shared his knowledge and perspectives on different aspects of filmmaking.

Following the discussion, participants watched the animated film The Wild Robot, providing an opportunity to engage with cinema from the perspectives discussed during the workshop.

The workshop served as a meaningful platform for young people to explore cinema while strengthening their creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and social awareness. Through such innovative learning initiatives, RHSTEP’s Aparajeyo Tarunno (UYP) continues to encourage young people to engage with culture, creativity, and positive social development.